Community Specialist - Lexington County

Job Responsibilities

THIS POSITION IS ELIGIBLE FOR A $1,000 SIGN-ON BONUS*

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of South Carolina's youth, consider joining the dedicated people of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).

MISSION:

It is the mission of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to impact and transform young lives, strengthen families, and support safer communities through targeted prevention and rehabilitation.

Are you passionate about strengthening the community, promoting better mental, physical, and societal health, and supporting youth? As a Community Specialist, you will use your personal skills and experience to maintain a safe environment through appropriate supervision and use of behavioral management skills in order to guide youth through daily living and leisure activities.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides case management coordination services to include assessment, interviewing, planning, monitoring, advocacy, direct supervision, and intervention of youth referred to the DJJ.

Serves as the primary case manager for youth referred to DJJ through intake or on probation or parole supervision.

Interviews youth, their family, and any service providers serving the youth to assess their level of functioning, strengths, and needs.

Provides a comprehensive plan of supervision for the assigned youth who may be serving secure commitments, placed in alternative settings, or residing in the community.

Develops a comprehensive picture of the youth's service and treatment needs.

Intercedes and advocates for youth and their families to ensure appropriate, timely, consistent services.

Develops and brokers community services where a gap exists.

Provides alternatives to incarceration through the use of graduated responses and promotes community safety.

Maintains case files, including JJMS data entry, according to Agency Policy and procedures.

Promotes restorative justice practices to repair harm/compensation to victims and the community.

Conducts pre-release assessments for appropriate services and living arrangements and formulates plans for clients' re-entry to the community.

Prepares reports and conducts meetings.

Participates in job-related training and workshops for professional growth.

Conducts other duties as assigned, required, or requested.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

Minimum State Requirements:

A bachelor's degree in behavioral sciences, criminal justice, or related field. At least one (1) year in strength-based case management, work with the community-based programs, criminal justice, or equivalent related experience.

Additional Requirements:

Knowledge of federal/state laws and regulations pertaining to juvenile offenders and the juvenile justice system.

Knowledge of the objective, techniques, and practices of juvenile justice intake/probation functions.

Knowledge of fact-gathering methods and interviewing techniques.

Ability to develop, enhance, and work with community collaborative initiatives.

Ability to organize and maintain a caseload. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to facilitate and broker services for juveniles, their families, and victims.

Ability to utilize a wide range of graduated responses.

Must be proficient in Microsoft and other MS applications.

This position will report to a Community Specialist IV or County Director.

Annually scheduled performance review information conferences as required or requested. Works independently or in a group with some discretion when needed.

Self-starter capable of operating under limited supervision.

This position performs job duties relating to the custody, control, transportation, or recapture of youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the employee may have direct and indirect contact with youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Training applicable to these duties will be provided.

Note: If any Agency Requirements are listed above, applicants must also meet those requirements to be considered for the position. Salary may vary depending on experience and qualifications. Candidates must present documentation of their attainment of a college degree(s) at the time of the interview.

Documentation must be either an official or unofficial copy of the college transcript or Letter of Verification of Degree from the institution's Registrar's Office. If the candidate selected for the position provided an unofficial copy, it must be replaced with an official copy on or before the HR processing date.

Additional Comments

The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Health, dental, and life insurance

• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year

• 15 days of sick leave per year

• 13 paid holidays

• State retirement plans and deferred compensation programs

• Discount Programs such as TicketatWork and WeSave

Applications are incomplete if you fail to answer all supplemental questions, education, and work history. Incomplete applications are not referred to hiring managers. Applications are accepted until 5:00 p.m. on the stated closing date.

You will be asked to provide a certified transcript if selected for a position requiring a degree. A background investigation will be conducted that may include but is not limited to, criminal records, driver's license, and child abuse registry prior to an offer of employment. Additionally, a medical examination and drug testing may be required. Please provide an explanation for any gaps in employment. A resume may be attached to your application but not substituted for completing the work history section of the application.

• Sign-on bonuses cannot be offered or given to employees moving from other agencies by transfer, promotion, or demotion. Sign-on bonuses are limited to one per employee per year.